Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in St. Bernard Parish County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

Authority	Avg. Rate
County General Fund	0.45%
School District (Avg)	1.20%
City / Local (Avg)	0.35%

How Property Tax Works in St. Bernard Parish County

Understanding property tax is crucial to knowing your tax obligations and how they impact your real estate. Here's a breakdown of how property taxes work in St. Bernard Parish County, Louisiana: **1. The Assessment Process:** * **Assessment Roll:** Every year, St. Bernard Parish County conducts an assessment of all properties within the parish. Appraisers assign a value to each property based on various factors like size, construction materials, location, and market values. * **Equalization:** Once assessed, these values are adjusted for fairness across different neighborhoods. **2. Millage Rates:** * **Millage Rate:** A millage rate is the dollar amount levied per $100 of taxable property value. Higher rates mean higher taxes; lower rates result in less tax burden. * **Property Value:** Your property's assessed value plays a crucial role in determining your tax bill, and it's important to be familiar with this figure. This assessment is reviewed annually, so it's essential to check for accuracy to minimize potential discrepancies. * **Calculating Property Tax:** The calculation for property tax uses the millage rate and assessed value. You can use online calculators or contact St. Bernard Parish Assessor's Office directly for a more detailed breakdown of your tax bill.

Available Exemptions

Louisiana offers various exemptions to those who qualify, helping reduce their overall tax burden. **1. Homestead Exemption:** This exemption is for primary residences and reduces the assessed value by 10%. The maximum exemption is $15,000, but it's essential to check your specific eligibility criteria based on household size and income level. **2. Senior Citizen Exemption:** Eligible senior citizens who meet certain requirements may qualify for an additional exemption of up to 40% on their assessed home value. This exempts a significant portion from property taxes, offering financial relief during retirement. **3. Disability Exemption:** Disabled veterans or individuals with severe disabilities can apply for this exemption. The amount varies based on the individual's disability and the limitations that affect their ability to work. **4. Veteran Exemption:** Veterans who served in certain branches of the U.S. military may qualify for a property tax exemption. It is recommended to visit the St. Bernard Parish Assessor's Office website or contact them directly for more information regarding these exemptions.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

**1. Payment Deadline:** The deadline for property tax payment varies each year, and it's crucial to know your local deadlines. The general rule is April of the year following assessment but it may be different depending on the year or local tax laws. **2. Installment Options:** If you prefer to spread out your payments over time, St. Bernard Parish offers various payment options through their website. **3. Late Payment Consequences:** Failure to pay taxes by the deadline will result in late fees and penalties. These penalties can accumulate, ultimately increasing the total amount owed. It's crucial to stay informed about deadlines and make timely payments to avoid any complications.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your assessment is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal it. St. Bernard Parish has a formal appeals process in place for these assessments. Here's a brief guide: * **File an Appeal:** Submit your appeal by providing detailed documentation and evidence to support your request. This can include photographs of your property’s exterior and interior, architectural plans, or even recent appraisals from comparable properties. * **Review Response:** St. Bernard Parish Assessor's Office will conduct a review of your appeal and provide you with their decision in writing. * **Contact the Assessor:** If your case isn't reviewed favorably or if you believe there are further errors, you have the option to file an additional appeal via the appropriate channels. **Remember**: It is recommended to consult the official website of St. Bernard Parish Assessor's Office for the most updated information on property taxes and exemptions.